Agricultural Management Assistance (AMA) | Natural Resources Conservation Service

Agricultural Management Assistance (AMA) | Natural Resources Conservation Service Skip to main content An official website of the United States government Here's how you know Here's how you know Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( Lock Locked padlock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. Menu Natural Resources Conservation Service U.S. Department of Agriculture Subscribe About NRCS farmers.gov USDA.gov Contact Us Main navigation Conservation Basics Conserving our natural resources is a vital part of creating and maintaining healthy ecosystems on our nation’s lands. View All Conservation Basics Natural Resource Concerns Soil Water Plants Animals Land Air Energy Wildlife Habitat Invasive Species and Pests View All Natural Resource Concerns Soil Water Plants Animals Land Air Energy Wildlife Habitat Invasive Species and Pests View All Natural Resource Concerns Featured Soil Science NRCS delivers science-based soil information to help farmers, ranchers, foresters, and other land managers effectively manage, conserve, and appraise their most valuable investment — the soil. Getting Assistance For 90 years, we’ve helped America’s farmers, ranchers, and landowners conserve our nation’s resources through our voluntary programs and science-based solutions. View All Getting Assistance Technical Help Conservation Technical Assistance Helps producers identify conservation objectives and a roadmap for conservation on their operation. Conservation Concerns Tool Use this tool to learn about natural resource concerns that may impact your ag operation (farmers.gov). Engineering NRCS applies sound engineering tools and principles to plan, design, and implement conservation practices and systems through delegated approval authority. Technical Service Providers Technical service providers offer planning, design, and implementation services to agricultural producers on behalf of NRCS. Financial Help Act Now Enables states to pre-approve applications when they meet or exceed a state's pre-determined minimum ranking score. Applications and Forms Find more information on how to apply for NRCS conservation programs. How to Apply Follow our step-by-step process to get started making improvements on your land with our one-on-one conservation assistance. Payment Schedules Review the amount and availability of financial assistance for selected conservation practices in your state. Ranking Dates Applications for NRCS conservation programs are ranked and funded at key times throughout the year. Compliance and Cultural Resources Conservation Compliance: Wetlands and Highly Erodible Land Provisions To maintain eligibility for most USDA programs, producers must comply with wetland conservation provisions. Cultural Resources NRCS programs are administered following the National Historic Preservation Act and other laws. Environmental Compliance NRCS programs are administered following the National Environmental Policy Act. Other Topics Disaster Recovery NRCS can help ag producers and communities recover when natural disasters strike. Nutrient Management This practice helps producers reduce input costs, maximize yields, and efficiently manage nutrients. Organic Agriculture Conservation and organics go hand-in-hand, and NRCS offers tools for organic farmers to improve their operations. Urban Agriculture Conservation assistance is available for urban farmers, including high tunnels, soil health practices, composting and irrigation. 2 CFR 400 – NRCS SPECIFIC APPROVED EXCEPTIONS Pursuant to 2 CFR 415.1(e), the USDA Office of the Chief Financial Officer and the Office of Management and Budget have approved the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) establishment of two alternative exceptions to the requirement for competition in discretionary grant and cooperative agreement funding opportunities under 2 CFR parts 200 and 400. Conservation Technical Assistance Helps producers identify conservation objectives and a roadmap for conservation on their operation. Conservation Concerns Tool Use this tool to learn about natural resource concerns that may impact your ag operation (farmers.gov). Engineering NRCS applies sound engineering tools and principles to plan, design, and implement conservation practices and systems through delegated approval authority. Technical Service Providers Technical service providers offer planning, design, and implementation services to agricultural producers on behalf of NRCS. Act Now Enables states to pre-approve applications when they meet or exceed a state's pre-determined minimum ranking score. Applications and Forms Find more information on how to apply for NRCS conservation programs. How to Apply Follow our step-by-step process to get started making improvements on your land with our one-on-one conservation assistance. Payment Schedules Review the amount and availability of financial assistance for selected conservation practices in your state. Ranking Dates Applications for NRCS conservation programs are ranked and funded at key times throughout the year. Conservation Compliance: Wetlands and Highly Erodible Land Provisions To maintain eligibility for most USDA programs, producers must comply with wetland conservation provisions. Cultural Resources NRCS programs are administered following the National Historic Preservation Act and other laws. Environmental Compliance NRCS programs are administered following the National Environmental Policy Act. Disaster Recovery NRCS can help ag producers and communities recover when natural disasters strike. Nutrient Management This practice helps producers reduce input costs, maximize yields, and efficiently manage nutrients. Organic Agriculture Conservation and organics go hand-in-hand, and NRCS offers tools for organic farmers to improve their operations. Urban Agriculture Conservation assistance is available for urban farmers, including high tunnels, soil health practices, composting and irrigation. 2 CFR 400 – NRCS SPECIFIC APPROVED EXCEPTIONS Pursuant to 2 CFR 415.1(e), the USDA Office of the Chief Financial Officer and the Office of Management and Budget have approved the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) establishment of two alternative exceptions to the requirement for competition in discretionary grant and cooperative agreement funding opportunities under 2 CFR parts 200 and 400. Featured Conservation Technical Assistance Conservation Technical Assistance (CTA) provides our nation’s farmers, ranchers and forestland owners with the knowledge and tools they need to conserve, maintain and restore the natural resources on their lands and improve the health of their operations for the future. State Offices Explore State-specific resources, updates, and contact information to support your conservation efforts. View All State Offices State Offices Learn about the conservation needs and latest updates in your state, and access needed resources. State Technical Committees Every state has an NRCS State Technical Committee. The State Technical Committee advises the State Conservationist on technical guidelines necessary to implement the conservation provisions of the Farm Bill. Contact Your State Office Find contact information for your state office location and employees. Programs & Initiatives Our natural resource conservation programs help people reduce soil erosion, enhance water supplies, improve water quality, increase wildlife habitat, and reduce damage caused by floods and other natural disasters. View All Programs & Initiatives Programs Environmental Quality Incentives Program Provides assistance to agricultural producers to address natural resource concerns. Regional Conservation Partnership Program Brings together partners to expand the reach of NRCS conservation programs. Conservation Innovation Grants Brings together partners to innovate on conservation approaches and technologies. Conservation Stewardship Program Helps agricultural producers take their conservation efforts to the next level. Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program Helps state and tribal governments improve public access to private lands for recreation. Agricultural Management Assistance Helps agricultural producers manage financial risk through diversification, marketing or natural resource conservation practices. Wetland Mitigation Banking Program Offers competitive grants to support wetland mitigation bank for agricultural producers. Conservation Reserve Program The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) provides a yearly rental payment to farmers who remove environmentally sensitive land from agricultural production and plant species that will improve environmental health and quality. Easements Agricultural Conservation Easement Program Helps producers protect wetlands, grasslands and farmlands for future generations. Wetland Reserve Easements Helps private and tribal landowners protect, restore, and enhance wetlands degraded by agricultural uses. Wetland Reserve Enhancement Partnership Brings together partners and producers to protect wetlands. Healthy Forests Reserve Program Helps landowners restore, enhance, and protect forestland resources on private and tribal lands and aids the recovery of endangered and threatened species. Agricultural Land Easements Helps private and tribal landowners, land trusts, and other entities protect croplands and grasslands on working farms and ranches. Appraisal Submission Center Centralized point for submitting valuation reports and reviews for easement programs. Watershed Programs Emergency Watershed Protection Assists communities recovering from natural disasters. Watershed and Flood Prevention Operation Offers assistance to communities to address watershed resource concerns. Watershed Rehabilitation Rehabilitates NRCS dams to comply with design safety performance standards. Initiatives Regenerative Pilot Program Regenerative Agriculture is a conservation management approach that emphasizes natural resources through improved soil health, water management, and natural vitality for the productivity and prosperity of American agriculture and communities. Landscape Conservation Initiatives Accelerates conservation benefits through targeted efforts for water quality, water quantity and wildlife. Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative Nationwide collaborative process working to maintain and improve the management, productivity, and health of privately owned grazing land. High Tunnel Provides targeted assistance to promote use of high tunnels, which offer many benefits including longer growing season. On-Farm Energy Initiative Assistance to inventory and analyze farm systems that use energy and identify ways to improve efficiency through an Agricultural Energy Management Plan. Organic Initiative Voluntary conservation program that provides technical and financial assistance for organic farmers and ranchers, or those interested in transitioning to organic. Sentinel Landscapes Initiative The Sentinel Landscapes Partnership is a coalition of federal agencies, state and local governments, and nongovernmental organizations that work with private landowners. Environmental Quality Incentives Program Provides assistance to agricultural producers to address natural resource concerns. Regional Conservation Partnership Program Brings together partners to expand the reach of NRCS conservation programs. Conservation Innovation Grants Brings together partners to innovate on conservation approaches and technologies. Conservation Stewardship Program Helps agricultural producers take their conservation efforts to the next level. Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program Helps state and tribal governments improve public access to private lands for recreation. Agricultural Management Assistance Helps agricultural producers manage financial risk through diversification, marketing or natural resource conservation practices. Wetland Mitigation Banking Program Offers competitive grants to support wetland mitigation bank for agricultural producers. Conservation Reserve Program The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) provides a yearly rental payment to farmers who remove environmentally sensitive land from agricultural production and plant species that will improve environmental health and quality. Agricultural Conservation Easement Program Helps producers protect wetlands, grasslands and farmlands for future generations. Wetland Reserve Easements Helps private and tribal landowners protect, restore, and enhance wetlands degraded by agricultural uses. Wetland Reserve Enhancement Partnership Brings together partners and producers to protect wetlands. Healthy Forests Reserve Program Helps landowners restore, enhance, and protect forestland resources on private and tribal lands and aids the recovery of endangered and threatened species. Agricultural Land Easements Helps private and tribal landowners, land trusts, and other entities protect croplands and grasslands on working farms and ranches. Appraisal Submission Center Centralized point for submitting valuation reports and reviews for easement programs. Emergency Watershed Protection Assists communities recovering from natural disasters. Watershed and Flood Prevention Operation Offers assistance to communities to address watershed resource concerns. Watershed Rehabilitation Rehabilitates NRCS dams to comply with design safety performance standards. Regenerative Pilot Program Regenerative Agriculture is a conservation management approach that emphasizes natural resources through improved soil health, water management, and natural vitality for the productivity and prosperity of American agriculture and communities. Landscape Conservation Initiatives Accelerates conservation benefits through targeted efforts for water quality, water quantity and wildlife. Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative Nationwide collaborative process working to maintain and improve the management, productivity, and health of privately owned grazing land. High Tunnel Provides targeted assistance to promote use of high tunnels, which offer many benefits including longer growing season. On-Farm Energy Initiative Assistance to inventory and analyze farm systems that use energy and identify ways to improve efficiency through an Agricultural Energy Management Plan. Organic Initiative Voluntary conservation program that provides technical and financial assistance for organic farmers and ranchers, or those interested in transitioning to organic. Sentinel Landscapes Initiative The Sentinel Landscapes Partnership is a coalition of federal agencies, state and local governments, and nongovernmental organizations that work with private landowners. Featured Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) The Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) is a partner-driven approach to conservation that funds solutions to natural resource challenges on agricultural land. Resources The technical resources and references NRCS provides uses science-based technology to aid conservation planning and benefit soil, water, air, plants, and animals for productive lands and healthy ecosystems. View All Resources Guides and Instructions Field Office Technical Guides Conservation Practice Standards How to Get a DUNS Number National Soil Survey Handbook Keys to Soil Taxonomy Soil Survey Manual Soil Taxonomy Technical Soil Services Handbook View All Guides and Instructions Data and Reports Web Soil Survey PLANTS Database RCA Dataviewer Soil Texture Calculator Official Soil Series Descriptions SSURGO/STATSGO2 Metadata Conservation Effects Assessment Project (CEAP) View All Data and Reports Education and Teaching Materials What is Soil? State Soils Soil Colors Soil Formation and Classification View All Education and Teaching Materials Tech Tools WIN-PST WinTR-20 WinTR-55 View All Tech Tools Field Office Technical Guides Conservation Practice Standards How to Get a DUNS Number National Soil Survey Handbook Keys to Soil Taxonomy Soil Survey Manual Soil Taxonomy Technical Soil Services Handbook View All Guides and Instructions Web Soil Survey PLANTS Database RCA Dataviewer Soil Texture Calculator Official Soil Series Descriptions SSURGO/STATSGO2 Metadata Conservation Effects Assessment Project (CEAP) View All Data and Reports What is Soil? State Soils Soil Colors Soil Formation and Classification View All Education and Teaching Materials WIN-PST WinTR-20 WinTR-55 View All Tech Tools Featured Ag Innovator’s Guide Tips for Recommending Innovation and New Technologies for Use in Conservation Assistance News & Events Welcome to the NRCS newsroom! Here you’ll find the latest information on USDA’s conservation agency, including news releases, feature stories, downloadable media files and more. View All News & Events News View All News NRCS Chief Aubrey J.D. Bettencourt highlights the Regenerative Pilot Program launched in 2025. The program is a farmer first, outcomes-based approach to conservation designed to return the agency to its core mission – helping people help the land. Featured NRCS Highlights Benefits of New Regenerative Pilot Program Read more Events View All Events Register for a free webinar for military veterans and transitioning service members on how to work with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to prepare for a career in agriculture. Featured USDA Beginning Farmer and Rancher Veterans Webinar - April 21 Apr 21, 2026 Read more Full Menu Conservation Basics Conserving our natural resources is a vital part of creating and maintaining healthy ecosystems on our nation’s lands. View All Conservation Basics Natural Resource Concerns Soil Water Plants Animals Land Air Energy Wildlife Habitat Invasive Species and Pests View All Natural Resource Concerns Soil Water Plants Animals Land Air Energy Wildlife Habitat Invasive Species and Pests View All Natural Resource Concerns Featured Soil Science NRCS delivers science-based soil information to help farmers, ranchers, foresters, and other land managers effectively manage, conserve, and appraise their most valuable investment — the soil. Getting Assistance For 90 years, we’ve helped America’s farmers, ranchers, and landowners conserve our nation’s resources through our voluntary programs and science-based solutions. View All Getting Assistance Technical Help Conservation Technical Assistance Helps producers identify conservation objectives and a roadmap for conservation on their operation. Conservation Concerns Tool Use this tool to learn about natural resource concerns that may impact your ag operation (farmers.gov). Engineering NRCS applies sound engineering tools and principles to plan, design, and implement conservation practices and systems through delegated approval authority. Technical Service Providers Technical service providers offer planning, design, and implementation services to agricultural producers on behalf of NRCS. Financial Help Act Now Enables states to pre-approve applications when they meet or exceed a state's pre-determined minimum ranking score. Applications and Forms Find more information on how to apply for NRCS conservation programs. How to Apply Follow our step-by-step process to get started making improvements on your land with our one-on-one conservation assistance. Payment Schedules Review the amount and availability of financial assistance for selected conservation practices in your state. Ranking Dates Applications for NRCS conservation programs are ranked and funded at key times throughout the year. Compliance and Cultural Resources Conservation Compliance: Wetlands and Highly Erodible Land Provisions To maintain eligibility for most USDA programs, producers must comply with wetland conservation provisions. Cultural Resources NRCS programs are administered following the National Historic Preservation Act and other laws. Environmental Compliance NRCS programs are administered following the National Environmental Policy Act. Other Topics Disaster Recovery NRCS can help ag producers and communities recover when natural disasters strike. Nutrient Management This practice helps producers reduce input costs, maximize yields, and efficiently manage nutrients. Organic Agriculture Conservation and organics go hand-in-hand, and NRCS offers tools for organic farmers to improve their operations. Urban Agriculture Conservation assistance is available for urban farmers, including high tunnels, soil health practices, composting and irrigation. 2 CFR 400 – NRCS SPECIFIC APPROVED EXCEPTIONS Pursuant to 2 CFR 415.1(e), the USDA Office of the Chief Financial Officer and the Office of Management and Budget have approved the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) establishment of two alternative exceptions to the requirement for competition in discretionary grant and cooperative agreement funding opportunities under 2 CFR parts 200 and 400. Conservation Technical Assistance Helps producers identify conservation objectives and a roadmap for conservation on their operation. Conservation Concerns Tool Use this tool to learn about natural resource concerns that may impact your ag operation (farmers.gov). Engineering NRCS applies sound engineering tools and principles to plan, design, and implement conservation practices and systems through delegated approval authority. Technical Service Providers Technical service providers offer planning, design, and implementation services to agricultural producers on behalf of NRCS. Act Now Enables states to pre-approve applications when they meet or exceed a state's pre-determined minimum ranking score. Applications and Forms Find more information on how to apply for NRCS conservation programs. How to Apply Follow our step-by-step process to get started making improvements on your land with our one-on-one conservation assistance. Payment Schedules Review the amount and availability of financial assistance for selected conservation practices in your state. Ranking Dates Applications for NRCS conservation programs are ranked and funded at key times throughout the year. Conservation Compliance: Wetlands and Highly Erodible Land Provisions To maintain eligibility for most USDA programs, producers must comply with wetland conservation provisions. Cultural Resources NRCS programs are administered following the National Historic Preservation Act and other laws. Environmental Compliance NRCS programs are administered following the National Environmental Policy Act. Disaster Recovery NRCS can help ag producers and communities recover when natural disasters strike. Nutrient Management This practice helps producers reduce input costs, maximize yields, and efficiently manage nutrients. Organic Agriculture Conservation and organics go hand-in-hand, and NRCS offers tools for organic farmers to improve their operations. Urban Agriculture Conservation assistance is available for urban farmers, including high tunnels, soil health practices, composting and irrigation. 2 CFR 400 – NRCS SPECIFIC APPROVED EXCEPTIONS Pursuant to 2 CFR 415.1(e), the USDA Office of the Chief Financial Officer and the Office of Management and Budget have approved the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) establishment of two alternative exceptions to the requirement for competition in discretionary grant and cooperative agreement funding opportunities under 2 CFR parts 200 and 400. Featured Conservation Technical Assistance Conservation Technical Assistance (CTA) provides our nation’s farmers, ranchers and forestland owners with the knowledge and tools they need to conserve, maintain and restore the natural resources on their lands and improve the health of their operations for the future. State Offices Explore State-specific resources, updates, and contact information to support your conservation efforts. View All State Offices State Offices Learn about the conservation needs and latest updates in your state, and access needed resources. State Technical Committees Every state has an NRCS State Technical Committee. The State Technical Committee advises the State Conservationist on technical guidelines necessary to implement the conservation provisions of the Farm Bill. Contact Your State Office Find contact information for your state office location and employees. Programs & Initiatives Our natural resource conservation programs help people reduce soil erosion, enhance water supplies, improve water quality, increase wildlife habitat, and reduce damage caused by floods and other natural disasters. View All Programs & Initiatives Programs Environmental Quality Incentives Program Provides assistance to agricultural producers to address natural resource concerns. Regional Conservation Partnership Program Brings together partners to expand the reach of NRCS conservation programs. Conservation Innovation Grants Brings together partners to innovate on conservation approaches and technologies. Conservation Stewardship Program Helps agricultural producers take their conservation efforts to the next level. Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program Helps state and tribal governments improve public access to private lands for recreation. Agricultural Management Assistance Helps agricultural producers manage financial risk through diversification, marketing or natural resource conservation practices. Wetland Mitigation Banking Program Offers competitive grants to support wetland mitigation bank for agricultural producers. Conservation Reserve Program The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) provides a yearly rental payment to farmers who remove environmentally sensitive land from agricultural production and plant species that will improve environmental health and quality. Easements Agricultural Conservation Easement Program Helps producers protect wetlands, grasslands and farmlands for future generations. Wetland Reserve Easements Helps private and tribal landowners protect, restore, and enhance wetlands degraded by agricultural uses. Wetland Reserve Enhancement Partnership Brings together partners and producers to protect wetlands. Healthy Forests Reserve Program Helps landowners restore, enhance, and protect forestland resources on private and tribal lands and aids the recovery of endangered and threatened species. Agricultural Land Easements Helps private and tribal landowners, land trusts, and other entities protect croplands and grasslands on working farms and ranches. Appraisal Submission Center Centralized point for submitting valuation reports and reviews for easement programs. Watershed Programs Emergency Watershed Protection Assists communities recovering from natural disasters. Watershed and Flood Prevention Operation Offers assistance to communities to address watershed resource concerns. Watershed Rehabilitation Rehabilitates NRCS dams to comply with design safety performance standards. Initiatives Regenerative Pilot Program Regenerative Agriculture is a conservation management approach that emphasizes natural resources through improved soil health, water management, and natural vitality for the productivity and prosperity of American agriculture and communities. Landscape Conservation Initiatives Accelerates conservation benefits through targeted efforts for water quality, water quantity and wildlife. Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative Nationwide collaborative process working to maintain and improve the management, productivity, and health of privately owned grazing land. High Tunnel Provides targeted assistance to promote use of high tunnels, which offer many benefits including longer growing season. On-Farm Energy Initiative Assistance to inventory and analyze farm systems that use energy and identify ways to improve efficiency through an Agricultural Energy Management Plan. Organic Initiative Voluntary conservation program that provides technical and financial assistance for organic farmers and ranchers, or those interested in transitioning to organic. Sentinel Landscapes Initiative The Sentinel Landscapes Partnership is a coalition of federal agencies, state and local governments, and nongovernmental organizations that work with private landowners. Environmental Quality Incentives Program Provides assistance to agricultural producers to address natural resource concerns. Regional Conservation Partnership Program Brings together partners to expand the reach of NRCS conservation programs. Conservation Innovation Grants Brings together partners to innovate on conservation approaches and technologies. Conservation Stewardship Program Helps agricultural producers take their conservation efforts to the next level. Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program Helps state and tribal governments improve public access to private lands for recreation. Agricultural Management Assistance Helps agricultural producers manage financial risk through diversification, marketing or natural resource conservation practices. Wetland Mitigation Banking Program Offers competitive grants to support wetland mitigation bank for agricultural producers. Conservation Reserve Program The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) provides a yearly rental payment to farmers who remove environmentally sensitive land from agricultural production and plant species that will improve environmental health and quality. Agricultural Conservation Easement Program Helps producers protect wetlands, grasslands and farmlands for future generations. Wetland Reserve Easements Helps private and tribal landowners protect, restore, and enhance wetlands degraded by agricultural uses. Wetland Reserve Enhancement Partnership Brings together partners and producers to protect wetlands. Healthy Forests Reserve Program Helps landowners restore, enhance, and protect forestland resources on private and tribal lands and aids the recovery of endangered and threatened species. Agricultural Land Easements Helps private and tribal landowners, land trusts, and other entities protect croplands and grasslands on working farms and ranches. Appraisal Submission Center Centralized point for submitting valuation reports and reviews for easement programs. Emergency Watershed Protection Assists communities recovering from natural disasters. Watershed and Flood Prevention Operation Offers assistance to communities to address watershed resource concerns. Watershed Rehabilitation Rehabilitates NRCS dams to comply with design safety performance standards. Regenerative Pilot Program Regenerative Agriculture is a conservation management approach that emphasizes natural resources through improved soil health, water management, and natural vitality for the productivity and prosperity of American agriculture and communities. Landscape Conservation Initiatives Accelerates conservation benefits through targeted efforts for water quality, water quantity and wildlife. Grazing Lands Conservation Initiative Nationwide collaborative process working to maintain and improve the management, productivity, and health of privately owned grazing land. High Tunnel Provides targeted assistance to promote use of high tunnels, which offer many benefits including longer growing season. On-Farm Energy Initiative Assistance to inventory and analyze farm systems that use energy and identify ways to improve efficiency through an Agricultural Energy Management Plan. Organic Initiative Voluntary conservation program that provides technical and financial assistance for organic farmers and ranchers, or those interested in transitioning to organic. Sentinel Landscapes Initiative The Sentinel Landscapes Partnership is a coalition of federal agencies, state and local governments, and nongovernmental organizations that work with private landowners. Featured Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) The Regional Conservation Partnership Program (RCPP) is a partner-driven approach to conservation that funds solutions to natural resource challenges on agricultural land. Resources The technical resources and references NRCS provides uses science-based technology to aid conservation planning and benefit soil, water, air, plants, and animals for productive lands and healthy ecosystems. View All Resources Guides and Instructions Field Office Technical Guides Conservation Practice Standards How to Get a DUNS Number National Soil Survey Handbook Keys to Soil Taxonomy Soil Survey Manual Soil Taxonomy Technical Soil Services Handbook View All Guides and Instructions Data and Reports Web Soil Survey PLANTS Database RCA Dataviewer Soil Texture Calculator Official Soil Series Descriptions SSURGO/STATSGO2 Metadata Conservation Effects Assessment Project (CEAP) View All Data and Reports Education and Teaching Materials What is Soil? State Soils Soil Colors Soil Formation and Classification View All Education and Teaching Materials Tech Tools WIN-PST WinTR-20 WinTR-55 View All Tech Tools Field Office Technical Guides Conservation Practice Standards How to Get a DUNS Number National Soil Survey Handbook Keys to Soil Taxonomy Soil Survey Manual Soil Taxonomy Technical Soil Services Handbook View All Guides and Instructions Web Soil Survey PLANTS Database RCA Dataviewer Soil Texture Calculator Official Soil Series Descriptions SSURGO/STATSGO2 Metadata Conservation Effects Assessment Project (CEAP) View All Data and Reports What is Soil? State Soils Soil Colors Soil Formation and Classification View All Education and Teaching Materials WIN-PST WinTR-20 WinTR-55 View All Tech Tools Featured Ag Innovator’s Guide Tips for Recommending Innovation and New Technologies for Use in Conservation Assistance News & Events Welcome to the NRCS newsroom! Here you’ll find the latest information on USDA’s conservation agency, including news releases, feature stories, downloadable media files and more. View All News & Events News View All News NRCS Chief Aubrey J.D. Bettencourt highlights the Regenerative Pilot Program launched in 2025. The program is a farmer first, outcomes-based approach to conservation designed to return the agency to its core mission – helping people help the land. Featured NRCS Highlights Benefits of New Regenerative Pilot Program Read more Events View All Events Register for a free webinar for military veterans and transitioning service members on how to work with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to prepare for a career in agriculture. Featured USDA Beginning Farmer and Rancher Veterans Webinar - April 21 Apr 21, 2026 Read more Subscribe About NRCS farmers.gov USDA.gov Contact Us Agricultural Management Assistance (AMA) Breadcrumb Home Programs & Initiatives Agricultural Management Assistance (AMA) The Agricultural Management Assistance (AMA) helps agricultural producers manage financial risk through diversification, marketing or natural resource conservation practices. On This Page Contact Information How to Get Assistance Related News and Events Available practices and practice standards vary by state . Contact your local NRCS office to get started. NRCS administers the conservation provisions while Agricultural Marketing Service and Risk Management Agency implement the production diversification and marketing provisions. How It Works Producers may construct or improve water management structures or irrigation structures; plant trees for windbreaks or to improve water quality; and mitigate risk through production diversification or resource conservation practices, including soil erosion control, integrated pest management, or transition to organic farming. AMA is available in 16 states where participation in the Federal Crop Insurance Program is historically low: Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, West Virginia, and Wyoming. Program At A Glance AMA provides financial assistance up to 75 percent of the cost of installing conservation practices. Total AMA payments shall not exceed $50,000 per participant for any fiscal year. Participants are not subject to Highly Erodible Land and Wetland Conservation provisions of the Food Security Act of 1985. Participants are subject to Adjusted Gross Income provisions of the Food Security Act of 1985. AMA offers an additional higher cost-share for historically underserved producers. Who Is Eligible Producers must: Be engaged in livestock or agricultural production. Have an interest in the farming operation associated with the land being offered for AMA enrollment. Have control of the land for the term of the proposed contract. Be in compliance with the provisions for protecting the interests of tenants and sharecroppers, including the provisions for sharing AMA payments on a fair and equitable basis. Be within appropriate payment limitation requirements. Land Eligibility Land on which agricultural commodities or livestock are produced, such as cropland, hayland, pastureland, rangeland, and grassland. Land used for subsistence purposes, private non-industrial forestland, or other land on which agricultural products, livestock, or forest-related goods are produced. Land on which risk may be mitigated through operation diversification or change in resource conservation practices. AMA Program Data NRCS program results data are housed on the RCA Data Viewer . More Information The Natural Resources Conservation Service oversees the conservation provisions of AMA. The Agricultural Marketing Service is responsible for an organic certification cost-share program, and the Risk Management Agency is responsible for mitigation of financial risk through an insurance cost-share program. Fact Sheet Agricultural Management Assistance (AMA) and the 2018 Farm Bill Fact Sheet Related Documents AMA Application Form (94.09 KB) AMA Interim Final Rule (89.02 KB) AMA Final Rule (84.27 KB) Ready to get started? Contact your local service center to start your application. Find Your Local Service Center USDA Service Centers are locations where you can connect with Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service, or Rural Development employees for your business needs. Enter your state and county below to find your local service center and agency offices. If this locator does not work in your browser, please visit offices.usda.gov . Select your state - Please select - Alabama Alaska American Samoa Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware District Of Columbia Federated States of Micronesia Florida Georgia Guam Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Northern Mariana Islands Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Palau Pennsylvania Puerto Rico Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Virgin Islands Vermont Virginia Washington West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Select your county How to Get Assistance Do you farm or ranch and want to make improvements to the land that you own or lease? Natural Resources Conservation Service offers technical and financial assistance to help farmers, ranchers and forest landowners. Print this information Step 1: Make a Plan To get started with NRCS, we recommend you stop by your local NRCS field office. We’ll discuss your vision for your land. NRCS provides landowners with free technical assistance, or advice, for their land. Common technical assistance includes: resource assessment, practice design and resource monitoring. Your conservation planner will help you determine if financial assistance is right for you. Step 2: Start an Application We’ll walk you through the application process. To get started on applying for financial assistance, we’ll work with you: To fill out an AD 1026, which ensures a conservation plan is in place before lands with highly erodible soils are farmed. It also ensures that identified wetland areas are protected. To meet other eligibility certifications. Once complete, we’ll work with you on the application, or CPA 1200. Applications for most programs are accepted on a continuous basis, but they’re considered for funding in different ranking periods. Be sure to ask your local NRCS district conservationist about the deadline for the ranking period to ensure you turn in your application in time. Step 3: Check your eligibility As part of the application process, we’ll check to see if you are eligible. To do this, you’ll need to bring: An official tax ID (Social Security number or an employer ID) A property deed or lease agreement to show you have control of the property; and A farm number. If you don’t have a farm number, you can get one from USDA’s Farm Service Agency. Typically, the local FSA office is located in the same building as the local NRCS office. You only need a farm number if you’re interested in financial assistance. Step 4: Rank your application NRCS will take a look at the applications and rank them according to local resource concerns, the amount of conservation benefits the work will provide and the needs of applicants. View Application Ranking Dates by State. Step 5: Implement your plan If you’re selected, you can choose whether to sign the contract for the work to be done. Once you sign the contract, you’ll be provided standards and specifications for completing the practice or practices, and then you will have a specified amount of time to implement. Once the work is implemented and inspected, you’ll be paid the rate of compensation for the work if it meets NRCS standards and specifications. Related News and Events Press Release Rhode Island NRCS Delivers Conservation Assistance, Healthier Natural Resources in 2025 March 05, 2026 Press Release USDA Announces Second FY 2026 Signup for Conservation Programs in Rhode Island February 12, 2026 Press Release Local Working Group Meetings Happening Across Rhode Island January 30, 2026 View More News View More Events Menu Natural Resources Conservation Service U.S. Department of Agriculture Return to Top Policies and Statements FOIA Information Quality Our Performance Privacy Policy Accessibility Statement Non-Discrimination Statement Related Sites USDA.gov Office of the Inspector General USA.gov WhiteHouse.gov Resources OneFPAC - Employee Links eDirectives Glossary No Fear Act Data Open Government Plain Writing Report Fraud on USDA Contract Sitemap Subscribe to our Newsletter Email Address